Second-generation Silver Fern Tiana Metuarau has shown a glimpse of things to come, with a robust, 60-minute display to help her team to an opening 48-42 win over England at Christchurch.
Just like her mother - legendary Ferns captain and coach Waimarama Taumaunu - the youngster refused to take a backwards step against more experienced counterparts in the NZ shooting circle, even as the home side squandered a big second-quarter lead late.
Still, given a limited build-up that saw four players - including new captain Gina Crampton and vice-captain Sulu Fitzpatrick - arrive late from Auckland's COVID-19 lockdown, the Silver Ferns showed resolve to rebuild a six-goal margin during the closing minutes for victory.
After a torrid opening quarter that saw the lead swing one way and then the other, New Zealand held a slender one-goal advantage, but compiled a pair of three-goal bursts that carried them eight clear, before the Roses narrowed that deficit to 26-21 at halftime.
After two weeks in managed isolation and another building their combinations in training, England clawed back another goal over the third quarter and drew level at 38-38 early in the final stanza, with Southern Steel shooter George Fisher providing the spark needed off the bench, converting 22/23.
But the Kiwis held their nerve, as Metuarau and circle partner Maia Wilson produced two four-goal series to draw away for victory.
After a form slump late in the ANZ Premiership, Wilson was still some way from her absolute best, but carried the bulk of New Zealand's shooting responsibilities, converting 31/39 attempts, while playing the entire game.
Her rookie sidekick relished her chance at top level, shoting 17/19 and proving an ideal foil.
While the midcourt often struggled to find easy passage through the England defence, but showed enough patience to eventually prevail, Kelly Jury was a menace to the Roses shooters and Karin Burger snatched a team-high three intercepts.
"It's far more physically demanding," says Metuarau, who was named Player of the Match. "It's faster, you have to be prepare for every phase and be involved 24/7, as your brain ticks over multiple times and you wonder where you can slot in for the next ball.
"It's a massive step up, but I'm grateful to be out there."
Metuarau had combined with Wilson for NZU21, but admitted that was a faded memory at the next level.
"We knew what was expected," she says. "I suppose there are areas that are still grey and execution wasn't exactly what we wanted, but we've got a few more games to go."
New Zealand 48 (Wilson 31/39, Metuarau 17/19) England 42 (Fisher 22/23, Cardwell 16/22, Drakeford-Lewis 4/4)
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